I finished the build of my new Redline Monocog 29er. Cane Creek 110 headset, Hope Pro 2 hubs, WTB Dual Duty rims, Panaracer Rampage 2.35" tires, Sette Venn seatpost, Jamis Stem, Easton EA70 Monkeybar, Ritchey True Grips, Bontrager Race saddle.
I took said bike on a ride:
Needless to say, it was a pretty long ride for a single speed. The trails I found were smooth and fast, so the relatively tall gear (32x18) I have on it right now is OK. Didn't really get the bike dirty. The trail entwork I got into is aparently quite extensive. I met a guy out in the middle of it that told me if this was my first time out there, not to get lost cause it is big. So I explored lightly and am looking forward to going back again. Looks like there's a good bit of single track available out there in addition to a bunch of double track with some fun little whoopty-doos.
So that was last weekend. This weekend, I revisited the powerline trails I grew up mountain biking on. I haven't been on them for probably a good ten years now. They've changed a bit, some parts were moved, some parts washed out, some permanently flooded. The 32x18 drive is too tall for this area. I have a 20t on order to try out. Some parts of teh trails are very technical. But on the whole the present state of the trails could be described as "muddy."
After:
I learned a few things about the bike:
- It will roll over just about anything.
- The tires, though reviewing well for mud, well, not so much.
- I need to lower the gear ratio.
- I want to try lock on grips.
- The brakes I have suck in mud.
